Description

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Del plays striker on his high school soccer team, the Cardinals, and they've gone almost three seasons undefeated.

To Del, it's just a game, but some of the players think winning is all that matters. When an ugly tackle results in a major loss for the Cardinals against their main rival, the Rebels, things get heated between the teams. That night, one of Del's teammates has his ankle broken by an unknown assailant, leaving him unable to take part in the playoffs.

As Del tries to figure out which of the Rebels' players is responsible for the attack, his coach brings in a substitute player, and he's actually really good. Is it just a coincidence, or did someone finally take the above all else mentality too far?

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don't like to read

About the Author

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Jeff Ross is the author of four previous YA novels, all with Orca Book Publishers. He teaches scriptwriting and English at Algonquin College in Ottawa, where he lives with his wife and two kids. His previous books have been listed on the CCBC's Best Books for Teens and YALSA's Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Readers. His soccer skills have been in question since he was six, but sometimes determination is more important than skill. Right?